As big names in the music scene take on ambitious tribute albums and expanded festivals, we can’t help but feel sorrow for the tragic stage collapse at a Radiohead concert last Saturday. The collapse left the group mourning the loss of a crewmember and prompted a comprehensive rescheduling of dates.
FYF Fest released its 2012 lineup this week, expanding the festival to a 2-day event set to take place September 1st and 2nd in Downtown’s L.A. State Historic Park. The main attractions of the fest are the first post-reunion performance of punk group Refused, as well as M83, Beirut, Sleigh Bells, Yeasayer and more. This year the ticketsprices will put you back $77.00 for a weekend pass, and went on sale Friday, June 22nd.
Starbucks’ music label, Hear Music/Concord, will release a Fleetwood Mac tribute album featuring a slew of popular indie musicians. Out August 14th, Just Tell Me That You Want Me: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac will consist of covers from big names such as MGMT, Gardens & Villa, The Kills, Washed Out, St. Vincent, Tame Impala, Best Coast and others. The album, produced by Randall Poster, who’s worked on popular
tribute albums before, will have 17 covers to show for, some of Fleetwood Mac’s more under the radar, obscure songs making the cut over more well known material.
A fatal stage collapse before a Radiohead concert in Toronto’s Downsview Park on Saturday left the band’s beloved drum technician, Scott Johnson, dead. With 3 others severely injured, the band was forced to cancel their show under the circumstances. Drummer Philip Selway released a statement following the news of Johnson’s death, describing the road crewmember as “a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny.” The cause of the stage collapse is being investigated, as weather conditions were not abnormal.
In light of the disastrous stage collapse, Radiohead has been forced to reschedule tour dates due to damaged equipment. Not only is the band experiencing a traumatic loss of a close friend and crewmember, but their customized light show was severely damaged in the accident, leaving them with much to fix before they can begin playing again. So far, the band plans to reschedule international shows that were to take place late June and early July. Radiohead released a full statement detailing the reschedules, and aim to announce new dates for the shows by Wednesday, June 27th. They will also provide details on how to obtain ticket refunds.
As a way of honoring the loss of Scott Johnson and the others wounded in the stage collapse, The Flaming Lips covered Radiohead’s “Knives Out” during their performance at Toronto’s North By Northeast Festival. This kind way of paying respects for the life lost in the tragic incident was followed by heartfelt words of wisdom by Flaming Lips’ front man Wayne Coyne. “All of our thought and all of our collective good karma goes to them … and to the families of those who were hurt.”
Unplugging in Brief:
FYF Fest 2012 Lineup Announced Featuring Headliners Refused, M83, Beirut and More – Now expanded to a 2-day festival, this year will feature the biggest names and heftiest lineup the festival has seen.
Just Tell Me That You Want Me New Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Featuring The Kills, Washed Out, Craig Wedren with St. Vincent Announced For August 2012 Release – Popular indie artists such as St. Vincent, The Kills, MGMT and more are on board for a Fleetwood Mac tribute album.
Drum Technician Dies Before Radiohead’s Toronto Concert When Stage Collapsed – In a disastrous stage collapse before a Radiohead concert, the band’s drum technician was killed.
Radiohead Reschedule Tour Dates Following Stage Collapse in Toronto – In light of the loss of a valued crewmember and friend, and a destroyed customized light show, Radiohead has announced they’ll be rescheduling some dates.
The Flaming Lips Cover “Knives Out” in Support of Radiohead After Stage Collapse – As a way of honoring Scott Johnson and those that were hurt in the stage collapse, The Flaming Lips covered a Radiohead tune at the Toronto North By Northeast Festival.
